Job Hunting

When you are old enough to start looking for a job, how do you plan to begin your search?

1. Research your Job Hunting Resources Family & Friends They know of your interests and abilities They have contacts in the community Networking Make use of personal connections when searching for job opportunities (teachers, coaches, family friends, etc.) Search Employment Websites Post your resume so employers can search for you Monster.com, Hotjobs.com, CareerBuilder.com Search “Help Wanted” Listings in the Newspaper

Job Hunting Resources (Cont.) Employers Contact business employers to learn of available jobs Even if there are no openings, they may contact you in the future Employment Agencies Help people find jobs by matching applicants’ qualifications with job openings Public agencies are free; Private agencies charge fees Career Counselors & Advisors At schools and at colleges

2. Determine if the Job Is Right For You A. Evaluate yourself. B. Evaluate the job.

A. Evaluate Yourself What skills do you have to offer? Are they transferable skills? Are they specialized skills?

Evaluate Yourself (cont) Transferable Skills: the skills that can be used in many different situations Also known as soft skills Examples: Writing Working well with others Time management Making decisions Specialized Skills: the skills necessary to do a specific job (like knowing PhotoShop, Flash, or typing 80 WPM)

List your Skills Transferable Skills: Specialized Skills:

List your Achievements Think of things you have done that make you stand out….(Science fair winner, perfect attendance, MVP, citizenship award) 1. 2. 3.

B. Evaluate The Job Required education or training Compensation Do you need a college degree? Will there be on-the-job training? Compensation What is the wage/salary? Is there potential for raises? Employer benefits Fringe Benefit: Something you receive at little or no cost (paid vacation, sick leave, child care, health insurance, etc.)

Evaluate The Job Job outlook Working conditions Nature of the work What is your job description? What will you be doing? Working conditions The work environment. Inside or outside? Independently or with others? Location (commute)? Work schedule? Travel requirements? Job outlook Are there jobs available? Are there future opportunities in this occupation?

Try out the career by …. Job shadowing Working with a mentor Completing an Internship

3. Complete A Job Application Read all the way through before completing Write clearly and spell correctly Complete all questions or label “NA” (not applicable) if the question doesn’t pertain to you Give factual and positive answers to questions about education, work history, and past experience Keep an updated list of previous employers, addresses, and phone numbers

4. Prepare a Resume Use recommended strategies and complete a quality resume that makes you stand out among other candidates.

5. Create a Portfolio or a Website Very often employers want to see a Portfolio which displays samples of work and accomplishments You can also create a website to promote yourself

6. Prepare for your Interview Dress for success Arrive on time Be prepared to answer tough questions Research the company and position so that you can ask intelligent questions

7. Send a Thank You Letter Always send a thank you letter to the company that granted you their time for an interview The letter should be in business format contain no grammatical or punctuation errors

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FUTURE JOB HUNT!